The National Airports Safeguarding Framework

The National Airports Safeguarding Framework is a national land use planning framework that aims to:

improve community amenity by minimising aircraft noise-sensitive developments near airports; and

improve safety outcomes by ensuring aviation safety requirements are recognised in land use planning decisions through guidelines being adopted by jurisdictions on various safety-related issues.

The National Airports Safeguarding Advisory Group (NASAG), comprising of Commonwealth, State and Territory Government planning and transport officials, the Australian Government Department of Defence, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Airservices Australia and the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), has developed the National Airports Safeguarding Framework (the Framework).

Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers considered the Framework at the Standing Council on Transport and Infrastructure meeting on 18 May 2012.

During the development process industry, local government and other interested stakeholders were invited to comment on a draft version of the Framework. A copy of the final Framework is available.

The Framework has implications for anyone working in town planning, residential or commercial development, building construction or related industries. It consists of a set of guiding principles with six guidelines relating to aircraft noise, windshear and turbulence, wildlife strikes, wind turbines, lighting distractions and protected airspace.

It is the responsibility of each jurisdiction to implement the Framework into their respective planning systems. Each state and territory will align their respective planning processes with the Framework principles and guidelines, as appropriate.

General enquiries regarding the Framework may be directed to the General Manager, Aviation Environment Branch, Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities or by email to safeguarding@infrastructure.gov.au.

For specific information on how the Framework is applied in your state or territory please use the contact information below.